"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Goat Flats is best known as a climber’s base camp en route to the jagged peaks of Three Fingers. It remains a well-kept secret as a day hiking destination.
The broad expanses of alpine meadow and glacier-polished granite invite hours of exploration. Or, in my case, sitting and appreciating the view of the Boulder River valley, an expansive, old-growth forest protected by the Wilderness Act. Mounts Baker and Shuksan are visible in the distance.
Even on a cloudy day, the small tarns and stunted evergreens create enough compositions to keep a photographer busy for half a day. Wildflowers were still in bloom here the first weekend of October.
Photos: [Top] Goat Flats, with Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan barely visible in the distance; [Bottom] Saddle Lake.
During the construction of the Three Fingers Lookout in the 1930s, this would have been the closest level ground for work parties to make camp. There was once a hiker’s shelter here, long ago collapsed by heavy snow. Thanks to volunteer maintenance crews, the historic fire lookout cabin remains atop Three Fingers, four miles away.
The first two miles of the trail to Goat Flats belie the beauty ahead. From its humble roadside trailhead, this route enters the Boulder River Wilderness almost immediately. Erosion has left the trail rough in places, but passable with care. At less than two miles, it reaches the outlet of Saddle Lake, a small lake surrounded by thick trees and brush. Take a hard left and continue uphill.
From here, the original lookout trail leads to Goat Flats in another two miles. In the third mile the last of the blueberries are waiting to be picked. Rather abruptly, the trail emerges from the thickness and variety of old growth trees and levels off at Goat Flats.
Getting there: From Granite Falls, on the Mountain Loop Highway, drive about ten minutes east and turn left on Forest Road 41. Continue almost 19 miles on dirt road to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. Dogs are prohibited within the designated wilderness.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.
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